China has beautiful countryside that has long attracted foreigners. But the country's meteoric economic rise has given its own people more time for their own outdoor and leisurely pursuits. The problem, though, is that all of the additional tourists and hikers are putting a strain on the environment.

China's scorching economic growth has given people something they didn't have before: leisure time. That's fueled interest in new hobbies, including outdoor adventure. Youth hostels are filling up with backpackers. Hiking gear is flying off the shelves.

China's scorching economic growth has given people something they didn't have before: leisure time. That's fueled interest in new hobbies, including outdoor adventure. Youth hostels are filling up with backpackers. Hiking gear is flying off the shelves.

China has beautiful countryside that has long attracted foreigners. But the country's meteoric economic rise has given its own people more time for their own outdoor and leisurely pursuits. The problem, though, is that all of the additional tourists and hikers are putting a strain on the environment.

China's scorching economic growth has given people something they didn't have before: leisure time. That's fueled interest in new hobbies, including outdoor adventure. Youth hostels are filling up with backpackers. Hiking gear is flying off the shelves.

China has beautiful countryside that has long attracted foreigners. But the country's meteoric economic rise has given its own people more time for their own outdoor and leisurely pursuits. The problem, though, is that all of the additional tourists and hikers are putting a strain on the environment.